Japanese authorities mobilized thousands of riot police Saturday to counter a similar number of demonstrators in Sapporo, Japan, the city nearest to the secluded mountain resort where G8 Summit talks will start Monday.

All those arrested July 5, in total 4 persons, are reported to be Japanese nationals. Many non-Japanese have been refused entry or detained and questioned as they have tried to enter Japan.

Demonstrators from Europe, Asia and the Americas have come to protest a variety of causes stemming from globalization. Only the richest nations are represented at the G8 Summit and protesters hold them responsible for triggering a series of crises in oil prices, the world economy, agriculture and the earth's climate.